70 Easy Recipes Your Kids Can Make All By Themselves
Updated: Sep. 16, 2020These easy recipes for kids let them snack on what they want and give you one less thing to do. Score! Plus, it's a great learning experience. Find ideas for elementary, middle and high school-age students.
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Help your kids learn—even over lunch hour. By preparing and cooking their own food, kids can indulge in what they actually want to eat during the school day and perhaps even stumble upon a new hobby—in addition to these fun activities, of course. These easy recipes are appropriate for elementary, middle and high school-age kids.
See our guide to age-appropriate cooking tasks.
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Elementary Age: Chocolate Chip, PB & Banana Sandwiches
I love finding new ways to combine peanut butter, chocolate and bananas. I was shocked when my nephews (who are very picky eaters) loved these sammies. —Charlotte Gehle, Brownstown, Michigan
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Elementary Age: Blueberry Pancake Smoothie
My family loves this pancake smoothie in the morning. I don’t normally measure the blueberries, so go crazy! If you have fresh blueberries, I would recommend freezing the banana ahead of time. —Kailey Thompson, Palm Bay, FloridaPsst! Kids love these make-ahead breakfast ideas.
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Elementary Age: Marshmallow Fruit Dip
You can whip up this sweet and creamy dip in just 10 minutes. I like to serve it in a bowl surrounded by fresh-picked strawberries at spring brunches or luncheons. —Cindy Steffen, Cedarburg, Wisconsin. 5 / 71
Elementary Age: No-Bake Peanut Butter Treats
Perfect for road trips, these peanut butter oatmeal balls won’t stick to your hands. Keep them in the refrigerator for portable snacks. —Sonia Rohda, Waverly, Nebraska 6 / 71
Elementary Age: Loaded Baked Potato Dip
I never thought of using waffle-cut fries as a scoop for dip until a friend of mine did at a baby shower. They’re ideal for my cheesy bacon and chive dip, which tastes just like a baked potato topper. —Betsy King, Duluth, MinnesotaLearning at home this year? Here’s how to have an amazing first day of homeschool.
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Elementary Age: Fruity Peanut Butter Pitas
My kids ask for these pita sandwiches all the time. They haven’t noticed that as good as they taste, they’re also good for them. —Kim Holmes, Emerald Park, Saskatchewan 8 / 71
Elementary Age: Kiddie Crunch Mix
This no-bake snack mix is a delightful treat for kids, and you can easily increase the amount to fit your needs. Place in individual bags, or pour some into colored ice cream cones for a fun presentation. —Kara de la Vega, Santa Rosa, California 9 / 71
Elementary Age: Raspberry Ice Cream in a Bag
Making homemade ice cream is fun for the whole family, and the fresh raspberry flavor of this treat makes it a perfect summer activity. Kids can shake the bags until the liquid changes to ice cream and then enjoy the reward! —Erin Hoffman, Canby, Minnesota 10 / 71
Elementary Age: Peanut Butter Granola Pinwheels
I came across this easy and tasty snack while searching online for healthy munchies for kids. Great for after school, it's really quick to make and filling enough to hold the kids until dinner. To satisfy heftier appetites or to serve as a power lunch, cut each tortilla into fewer pieces or provide one per child. The recipe is easy to increase as needed. —Mary Haluch, Ludlow, MassachusettsThe whole family will love these at-home lunch recipes.
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Elementary Age: Rise and Shine Parfait
Start your day with a smile. This fruit, yogurt and granola parfait is so easy to make. If you like, use whatever favorite fresh fruits are in season and are looking best at the supermarket. —Diana Laskaris, Chicago, Illinois 12 / 71
Elementary Age: Ranch Snack Mix
This is a wonderful fast-to-fix munchie. The recipe makes tons and doesn't involve any cooking. It's a cinch to package in individual snack bags, it keeps its crunch and it's a savory alternative to the cakes and pies usually offered at bake sales. —Linda Murphy, Pulaski, Wisconsin 13 / 71
Elementary Age: Princess Toast
I made these sparkly treats for my daughter's brownie troop and they're great for princess parties. Sometimes I use lemon curd in place of the jam. —Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, California 14 / 71
Elementary Age: Pumpkin Pie Smoothies
My pie-flavored smoothie is loaded with fruit. The spices make it all come together. —Karen Sikora, Dayton, Nevada 15 / 71
Elementary Age: Lemon-Apricot Fruit Pops
With just 31 calories and less than 1 tsp. sugar per serving, this is one light and refreshing summer dessert everyone can find room for! —Aysha Schurman, Ammon, IdahoStocking your stay-at-home classroom? Every parent needs these homeschool supplies.
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Elementary Age: Snack Crackers
Our 13-year-old daughter, Dana, loves to make this crunchy and flavorful snack for us. Her four older brothers finish off a batch in no time. —Sue Manel, Milladore, Wisconsin 17 / 71
Elementary Age: Glazed Doughnut Holes
Here's a simple recipe to create a colorful and fun breakfast—or snack! For the glaze, use any type of juice you like. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen 18 / 71
Elementary Age: PBJ on a Stick
Take the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich on the go with these skewers. They also make easy snacks. —Sara Martin, Brookfield, Wisconsin 19 / 71
Elementary Age: Flying Saucers
These handy pita pocket sandwiches can be filled and served ready to eat... or you can set up a make-your-own buffet with ingredients that the kids can choose to suit themselves. 20 / 71
Elementary Age: Granola Trail Mix
My family has always enjoyed this crunchy four-ingredient snack. When we go camping, each person includes one additional ingredient like mini marshmallows, corn chips or cookie pieces. The taste is never the same, and we're often surprised by the combinations. —Shelley Riddlespurger, Amarillo, Texas 21 / 71
Elementary Age: Strawberry Lime Smoothies
Peak-of-freshness strawberries make this thinner, easy drink a summer staple. —Elizabeth Johnson, Greenville, South Carolina 22 / 71
Elementary Age: Turkey Ranch Wraps
Here's a cool idea that's ready to gobble up in no time. It's a terrific use for deli turkey. Just add lettuce, tomato, green pepper, shredded cheese and ranch dressing for a flavorful blend. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen 23 / 71
Elementary Age: Crunchy Granola Pretzel Sticks
I love this healthier, portable snack that's sweet, crunchy and fun to make. If you don't have granola, use other cereals or nuts. You can even do bacon bits.—Kelly Silvers, Edmond, Oklahoma 24 / 71
Elementary Age: Texas Tumbleweeds
Tumbleweeds blow across the roads in some parts of Texas, and I think these cute stacks look like them. I've been making these sweets with my sister for years. —Karen Lemay, Seabrook, Texas 25 / 71
Middle School Age: Chicken & Bacon Roll-Ups
My children like these so much that they ask for them every day for lunch during the summer. Whenever I have leftover chicken or turkey breast, this is a delicious way to use it up. —Patricia Nieh, Portola Valley, California 26 / 71
Middle School Age: Cheesy Quesadillas
We serve these quesadillas as chili dippers or load them up with salsa and sour cream for a super starter. —Terri Keeney, Greeley, Colorado 27 / 71
Middle School Age: Brownie Batter Dip
I’m all about the sweeter side of dips, and this brownie-batter variety fits in with my life’s philosophy: Chocolate makes anything better. Grab some fruit, cookies or salty snacks and start dunking. —Mel Gunnell, Boise, Idaho 28 / 71
Middle School Age: Key Lime Pie Balls
The classic creamy filling, graham-cracker crust and burst of lime are all mixed together in every bite of these rolled cookies. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 29 / 71
Middle School Age: Garlic Bread Pizza Sandwiches
I love inventing new ways to make grilled cheese sandwiches for my kids. This version tastes like pizza. Using frozen garlic bread is a timesaver. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas 30 / 71
Middle School Age: Frozen Banana Cereal Pops
When we want a healthy snack, we dip bananas in yogurt, roll 'em in cereal, then freeze. Ta-da! —Scarlett Elrod, Newnan, Georgia 31 / 71
Middle School Age: Apple Yogurt Parfaits
Get the morning started right with this super simple four-ingredient parfait. Try chunky or flavored applesauce for easy variations. —Rebekah Radewahn, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 32 / 71
Middle School Age: Fruity Chicken Salad Pitas
I found this handwritten recipe tucked inside an old community cookbook I bought more than 40 years ago. I made a few changes over the years to suit my family’s tastes. —Kristine Chayes, Smithtown, New York 33 / 71
Middle School Age: Frozen Chocolate Monkey Treats
Everyone needs a fun, friendly way for kids to play with food. These rich bites are nutty and yummy. Just coat bananas in chocolate and dip them into peanuts, sprinkles or coconut. —Susan Hein, Burlington, Wisconsin 34 / 71
Middle School Age: Easy Cake Mix Bars
I take this dessert to work for Friday pick-me-ups. It's one of my favorite yellow cake bar recipes. I love to share them because they're so easy to eat, easy to make and easy on the wallet. —Amy Rose, Ballwin, Missouri 35 / 71
Middle School Age: BLT Wraps
My mom and I used to make these easy wrap-ups for summer days at the lake with our entire family. These days, we love to bring them to picnics and days in the park. —Jonnah Burks, Brighton, Missouri 36 / 71
Middle School Age: Chocolaty Chips
My two little guys can't get enough of this sweet-and-salty snack, which uses just three ingredients and is ready to eat in 15 minutes. The boys like to drizzle on the melted chocolate, too. Sometimes we replace the potato chips with apple slices. —Jami Geittmann, Greendale, Wisconsin 37 / 71
Middle School Age: Cheddar Corn Dog Muffins
I wanted to riff on hot dogs, so I made corn dog muffins. I added jalapenos to this kid-friendly recipe and won my husband over, too. —Becky Tarala, Palm Coast, Florida 38 / 71
Middle School Age: Copycat Chicken Salad
This recipe is incredibly easy to make, and your family will love it. The sweet pickle relish gives it its signature taste. I like to use a thick, crusty oat bread for this sandwich. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland 39 / 71
Middle School Age: Garlic Toast Pizzas
Between working full-time, going to school and raising three children, finding time-saving recipes that my family likes is one of my biggest challenges. These quick pizzas pack a huge amount of flavor. —Amy Grim, Chillicothe, Ohio 40 / 71
Middle School Age: Frozen Berry & Yogurt Swirls
I enjoy these frozen yogurt pops because they double as a healthy snack and a cool, creamy sweet treat. —Colleen Ludovice, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 41 / 71
Middle School Age: Cheese Fries
I came up with this recipe after my daughter had cheese fries at a restaurant and couldn't stop talking about them. She loves that I can fix them so quickly at home. Plus, the frozen fry packets can be refrigerated and reheated. —Melissa Tatum, Greensboro, North Carolina 42 / 71
Middle School Age: Grilled Hummus Turkey Sandwich
I created this toasted sandwich last summer using homemade hummus and veggies from our garden. We really can't get enough! —Gunjan Gilbert, Franklin, Maine 43 / 71
Middle School Age: Monkey Bread Biscuits
I came up with an easy, savory—instead of sweet—dinner version of monkey bread featuring garlic and Italian seasoning. —Dana Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona 44 / 71
Middle School Age: Yogurt & Honey Fruit Cups
This tasty combo of fresh fruit and creamy orange-kissed yogurt is guaranteed to disappear fast from your breakfast table. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 45 / 71
Middle School Age: Quick Taco Wraps
I was running late one night, so I shopped in my own fridge and came up with ingredients that became taco wraps. Everybody at the table was a happy camper. —Katie Mitschelen, La Porte, Indiana 46 / 71
Middle School Age: Lunch Box Pizzas
When you have these fun-to-make mini pizzas, it's no challenge finding lunch fare that the kids enjoy. Plus they pack nicely in sandwich bags and travel well, so there's no mess. —Rhonda Cliett, Belton, Texas 47 / 71
High School Age: Fresh Strawberry Breakfast Tacos
When our son was growing up, this was one of his favorite breakfasts. I've used low-fat ingredients in the past with good results, too.—Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas 48 / 71
High School Age: Bacon Cream Cheese Pinwheels
It's hard to resist a crescent roll, bacon and cream cheese in one bite! Kids, friends, everyone will scarf these cream cheese pinwheels down. Now I bake a double batch whenever we have a get-together. —Krista Munson, Sharpsburg, Kentucky 49 / 71
High School Age: Hasselback Tomato Clubs
This no-fuss, no-bread riff on a classic is perfect during tomato season. Make it for lunch or pair with pasta salad for a light dinner. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 50 / 71
High School Age: Turkey Wafflewiches
Who knew sandwiches could be so fun? This medley from our Test Kitchen will bring smiles to the whole table with its fantastic taste and whimsical fun. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 51 / 71
High School Age: Avocado Quesadillas
Avocados give quesadillas some nutritional value and, fortunately, my son likes them. Thinly slice the avocado, and add chicken or beef for extra protein. —Debbie Limas, North Andover, Massachusetts 52 / 71
High School Age: Turkey & Apricot Wraps
For these everyday wraps, I combined the traditional southern appetizer of jam and cream cheese on crackers with the turkey, apple and Brie sandwiches we ate at my bridal luncheon. I like to sneak fresh spinach into all sorts of recipes because it has such a mild flavor. —Kim Beavers, North August, South Carolina 53 / 71
High School Age: Cheeseburger Cups
A terrific recipe for moms with young kids and busy lives, this simple, inexpensive dish is made with handy ingredients and takes just a short time. Best of all, kids will go absolutely crazy for these darling dinner bites! —Jeri Millhouse, Ashland, Ohio 54 / 71
High School Age: Microwave Egg Sandwich
If you're looking for a grab-and-go breakfast for busy days, this high-protein sandwich is low in fat and keeps me full all morning. Plus, it's only about 200 calories! —Brenda Otto, Reedsburg, Wisconsin 55 / 71
High School Age: Game-Night Nacho Pizza
Some like it hot with jalapenos; others like it cool with a dollop of sour cream. But one thing’s for sure: This is “nacho” ordinary pizza night. —Jamie Jones, Madison, Georgia 56 / 71
High School Age: Peanut Butter Oatmeal
My son and I eat this peanut butter oatmeal recipe every day for breakfast. It's a hearty, healthy way to jump start our morning. — Elisabeth Reitenbach, Terryville, Connecticut 57 / 71
High School Age: Spiced Sweet Potato Fries
A spicy homemade seasoning blend shakes up everyone’s favorite finger food in this rendition of sweet potato fries. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen 58 / 71
High School Age: Confetti Cake Batter Cookies
Mom and I took up cake decorating. Funfetti was our favorite cake, so we used the mix to make cutout cookies. Plain or decorated, they’re a fave at parties. —Danielle DeMarco, Basking Ridge, New Jersey 59 / 71
High School Age: Air-Fryer French Toast Sticks
Learn how to make air-fryer French toast sticks with this quick and easy recipe. I like to have them handy in the freezer for a hearty breakfast in an instant. They're great for buffets and eating on the go. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 60 / 71
High School Age: Cheesy Roast Beef Pinwheels
Take lunch to the next level with savory Cheesy Roast Beef Pinwheels. Rolled in crescent dough, cut into spirals and baked, they’re a tasty twist on the traditional roast beef sandwich. —Holley Grainger, Birmingham, Alabama 61 / 71
High School Age: Bacon Breakfast Pizza
I used to make this bacon breakfast pizza for my morning drivers when I worked at a delivery place. And they just loved it. Breakfast pizza is a quick and easy eye-opener that appeals to all ages. —Cathy Shortall, Easton, Maryland 62 / 71
High School Age: Salted Caramel and Banana Hot Chocolate
Sip on this salted caramel and banana drinking chocolate when the temperatures start to drop. It's the perfect cool-weather drink. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor, Culinary 63 / 71
High School Age: Rotisserie Chicken Panini
This ooey-gooey, melty delight is packed with bacon, chicken, cheese and just enough lemon to tickle your taste buds. Other chicken panini recipes don't compare!—Terri McCarty, Oro Grande, California 64 / 71
High School Age: Quick Icebox Sandwiches
My mother liked making these cool, creamy treats when I was growing up in the States because they're so quick to fix. Then I made them for my three kids.—Sandy Armijo, Naples, Italy 65 / 71
High School Age: Waffle-Iron Pizzas
These little pizza pockets are a fun mashup using the waffle iron. Try your favorite toppings or even breakfast fillings like ham and eggs on this waffle pizza. —Amy Lents, Grand Forks, North Dakota 66 / 71
High School Age: Smoked Gouda Veggie Melt
After a long day of teaching, I like to make these veggie-packed grilled-cheese sandwiches. My 8-year-old daughter is a big fan, too. —Charlie Herzog, West Brookfield, Vermont 67 / 71
High School Age: Slow-Cooker Chocolate Lava Cake
Everyone who tries this dessert falls in love with it. Using a slow cooker liner makes cleanup a breeze. —Latona Dwyer, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 68 / 71
High School Age: Hot Dog Roll-Ups
Not only do my grandchildren love these cheese-and-bacon filled hot dogs, but they enjoy helping put the meal together, too. It's the perfect solution to a last-minute lunch. —Lyletta Searle, Morgan, Utah 69 / 71
High School Age: Tuna Ciabatta Melts
Use any good crusty bread when compiling this tuna spread sandwich. Top with slices of crunchy cucumber or luscious tomato for extra freshness. —Barb Templin, Norwood, Minnesota 70 / 71
High School Age: Berry Nectarine Salad
I've been making this recipe for years. Whenever my family has a summer get-together, everyone requests it. The nectarines and berries look beautiful together, and the topping is the perfect accent. —Mindee Myers, Lincoln, Nebraska 71 / 71
High School Age: Tomato & Avocado Sandwiches
I'm a vegetarian, and this is a tasty, quick and healthy lunch I could eat for every meal. At my house, we call these sandwiches HATS: hummus, avocado, tomato and shallots. These are ingredients I almost always have on hand. —Sarah Jaraha, Moorestown, New Jersey Originally Published: September 16, 2020
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